NBC renews ‘Grimm’, ‘Revolution’, three other dramas

NBC has announced the renewal of five drama series, two of which are currently in their first season, two others which are longtime veterans of the network’s primetime lineup, and another that ranks among the network’s few legitimate hits.

I’ll let you guess which is which:

Revolution and Chicago Fire have both secured second seasons after scoring respectable ratings in their respective timeslots. Neither is an outright hit (well, Revolution was, but its irregular scheduling issues have caused its numbers to take a hit, despite a lead-in by The Voice), but they both earn steady enough viewership to secure renewal.

Meanwhile, after another season on the chopping block, Jason Katims’ critically-acclaimed Parenthood has defied the odds to land another season. In addition, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has also scored a renewal, though that pickup is a bit less surprising.

Lastly, the series that is anchoring NBC’s Friday night lineup, Grimm, has been given a third season. The supernatural procedural thriller is moving to Tuesdays for its last four episodes this season — which brings the season’s scheduling full circle, in a way, as its first four episodes randomly aired on Mondays last August.

The renewal of so many drama series is believed to be the byproduct of NBC having not ordered many drama pilots this year, as the network is loading up on comedies to make up for the departure of 30 Rock and The Office, along with departing series such as the all-but-canceled Up All Night. NBC is looking at a complete restructuring of its primetime lineup in order to earn itself a more laudable reputation than just being “The Network That Airs The Voice.” Or worse, “That Network That’s Tanking.” With any luck, these renewals will do the trick for the Peacock.